Plain Pug - Eupithecia simpliciata

Description

Wingspan 21 to 23 mm. Despite its English (and Latin) name, this is one of the more distinctively-marked Pug moths, and is relatively easy to identify.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Frequents waste ground and similar areas where the larval foodplants are found.

When to see it

It flies from June to August.

Life History

The caterpillars feed on the seeds of Orache and Goosefoot.

UK Status

It is found throughout most of England, though scarcer further north, and is local in Ireland and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).

Reference
70.166 BF1842

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Plain Pug
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Geometridae
Records on NatureSpot:
25
First record:
23/07/2013 (Russell, Adrian)
Last record:
31/07/2023 (Gaten, Ted)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records